Does everyone know that the PMC loves to set up and fill meal trains for mamas who need a helping hand? Read Jessica's testimony below to hear more about this awesome resource.

Just had a baby and don’t know anyone in the PMC yet - ask for a meal train!  Slipped and fell after giving your splashing toddler a bath and threw out your back? Ask for a meal train! Lost a friend or family member and can’t bring yourself to cook? Ask for a meal train. Mamas: don’t be afraid to reach out!

I had my daughter in October 2017, and 7 months later my husband rushed me to the hospital with serious pain in my chest, stomach, and back.  It turned out I needed to have surgery to remove my gall bladder.  To add insult to injury, literally, during the surgery some gallstones slipped and I had to go back a few days later for a separate procedure.  Needless to say, I needed support.

Even though I am a very outgoing and social person, I was initially hesitant to reach out to the PMC ask ask for a meal train because I felt embarrassed.  I was healing okay and should have been able to take care of my family, right?  I got over that very quickly once I realized what recovery actually looked like.

So I took the plunge and reached out… and guess what?  It was so worth it, and NOT embarrassing at all. When it came to getting rest after caring for my kid all day, instead of worrying about a meal for my family, that food on my doorstep made all the difference.

I have volunteered for a few meal trains and, honestly, it feels good to be able to do one small thing.  For me, bringing a meal to someone is no big deal.  But as a mom who’s been on the receiving end of a meal train, it’s a huge deal.  

I know it how hard it can be, but I want all of you stubborn mamas out there to know it’s okay to ask for help! My meal train was filled quickly; this is a community of parents who GET IT.  They get that stuff happens, that life is hard sometimes, and they really want to help lift you up. 

If the idea of asking for help still seems scary to you, have a friend to ask for you!  Shoot a quick text saying, “Hey - I’m having a really hard time adjusting after my c-section.  Think you can send the Meals-in-a-Pinch coordinator an email and ask for a 5-day meal train?”

This resource is here for you - use it!  I’m so glad I did.

Editor's Note: I cannot agree with what Jessica wrote more! Just two months ago I had my third baby, and my hands full. A friend requested a meal train for me before I could even get around to doing it, and I was blown away by how quickly it filled up. I also have really enjoyed bringing meals to others; it's a fun and fairly easy way to participate in supporting our PMC village. 

To request a meal train for yourself or on behalf of another member, please email: meals@petalumamothersclub.org

- Caitlin McSorley